Analyst Upgrades

• Chesapeake (CHK) to buy from hold at Canaccord.
• Biogen (BIIB) and Regeneron (REGN) to outperform from sector perform at RBC Capital.
• Caribou Coffee (CBOU) to outperform from neutral and Encore Energy (ENP) to neutral from underperform at RW Baird.
• Fluor (FLR) to market perform from underperform at BMO Capital.
• Hornbeck Offshore (HOS) to conviction buy from neutral at Goldman.
• Saks (SKS) and Zale (ZLC) to neutral from underperform at BofA/Merrill.

Geothermal energy isn't a new concept in the United States; it's actually been around for some time, with numerous geothermal power plants in California, Nevada and a few other western states," says David Fessler.

The contributing editor to Money Morning explains, "There are new plants on the drawing board, too. Unfortunately, the recession has stifled the construction progress on many of them. But all that's about to change.

"Thanks to a few key technological developments -- and a big cash infusion from the government -- the stars are aligning to produce the perfect storm for this super-green energy source.

"Zero greenhouse gas emissions, 90% average availability as a power source, minimal land requirements and competitive costs: those are just a few of the advantages of geothermal power," explains Roger Conrad.

In his leading-edge New World advisory, he looks at one favorite play on the sector: Ormat Technologies (NYSE: ORA), which operates a dozen geothermal plants worldwide.

"Geothermal's chief disadvantage is geographical limitations to large-scale applications. Geothermal plants are mainly economic in areas of subsurface or volcanic activity.

Saturday was a busy day in Bali. No, we're not talking fun in the sun -- we're talking about the U.S. seemingly making an about-face on its global energy policy. 2020 seems to be the target date by which the participants aim to reduce emissions by 25 and 40 percent.

Ormat Technologies (NYSE: ORA) engages in the geothermal and recovered energy power business, currently with 330 MW in production. They have produced impressive growth with a 13% rise in net income last quarter. With rumors swirling that both Apax Private Equity and Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS), are looking at buying a 10% share of the company, and local business Chaim Katzman continually raising his stake in the company, Ormat is a prime takeover target. In fact, we've recently chosen Ormat as one of two takeover candidates for 2008. The push behind Bali may provide added impetus as the world looks for reducing CO2 emissions.

Check out this microcap, Environment Power Group (AMEX: EPG). I found this one on a strange screen I run and was surprised to see firms like FrontPoint Partners and Royce & Associates invested in the firm. While it currently trades on the American Stock Exchange, the company will begin trading on Nasdaq this week. This is a strange bird and not for your average investor. As per EPG's investor presentation, the company "owns and operates renewable energy facilities for the production and commercial application from agricultural livestock and organic wastes." In short, they get their hands dirty.

MOST NOTEWORTHY: Time Warner Cable (TWC) and Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals (MIPI) were today's more notable initiations:

• Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC) was initiated at Bernstein with an Outperform rating and $46 target, citing a compelling diversification alternative for cable/CMCS investors. Goldman started Time Warner Cable with a Neutral rating and $44 target.

• Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: MIPI) was initiated at RBC with an Outperform rating and $18 target. RBC said Molecular Insight is a leader in developing and commercializing superior radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment and management of life-threatening diseases. Jefferies initiated shares of Molecular Insight with a Buy rating and $20 target, saying Zemiva has blockbuster potential.

OTHER INITIATIONS:

• UBS started Amedisys, Inc (NASDAQ: AMED) with aBuy rating and $39 target.

• Goldman Sachs initiated TransCanada (NYSE: TRP) with a Buy rating.

• Credit Suisse initiated Tim Hortons Inc (NYSE: THI) with an Outperform rating.

• Pacific Growth initiated Ormat Technologies, Inc (NYSE: ORA) with a Buy rating.

Analyst summaries provided by TheFlyOnTheWall.com (subscription required).